Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland issued a statewide proclamation Monday to recognize tomorrow as Korean-American Day, according to Afro.
Governor Hogan and First Lady Yumi Hogan hosted a reception at the State House in Annapolis for members of the Korean American community, including Korean Ambassador to the United States Ahn Ho-Young.
“The Korean-American community is incredibly important to Maryland and to America as a whole. For over a century they have added to the richness and diversity of our country, and our administration remains committed to fostering a vibrant, flourishing Korean American community here in Maryland. I am proud to call myself a ‘hanguk sahwi,’ or ‘son-in-law’ to the people of Korea.” said Hogan.
On the same day, according to Santa Clarita Valley News, a resolution to declare Wednesday as Korean American Day in Santa Clarita was passed unanimously by the California Assembly.
“California’s rich diversity is part of what makes our state great. It’s important we highlight and celebrate the significant role Korean Americans play in our everyday lives.” stated Assemblyman Scott Wilk.
The specific day is significant in that on January 13, 1903, the first group of 102 Korean immigrants to the United States arrived in Honolulu, and the day celebrated commemorates the contributions of the Korean American community.
The day of commemoration was first recognized at the national level in 2005.